Redevelopment commission approves $30,000 facade grant for 603 Pine Street rehab

The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission approved a $30,000 facade improvement grant on July 14 for Pine 6 LLC, helping offset the cost of restoring the exterior of a historic building at 603 Pine Street.

The owner told the commission the property — described in the meeting as about 152 years old — required extensive rehabilitation after the structural front porch became unsafe and parts of the building were demolished and rebuilt. The owner said the project evolved from an expected small repair into a full renovation with new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems; he said the owner expanded the plan to create four rental units to make the investment feasible.

Redevelopment staff confirmed the applicant provided multiple contractor quotes for windows and other exterior work, and that Pine 6 LLC’s submitted budget qualified the project for the full facade award. Commission staff explained the program pays 60% of eligible facade costs up to $30,000; the commission voted to approve the $30,000 grant.

Commissioners also heard from a public commenter, Scott Mellon, who said the owner had “jumped through a lot of hoops” with the Historic Review Commission and argued the city’s higher preservation standards made assistance appropriate. The motion to award the grant passed by voice vote.

The commission’s action is a grant commitment under the facade improvement program; it does not alter zoning or other permitting already completed for the rehabilitation. Work and invoices will proceed under the redevelopment office’s normal grant administration procedures.